IFASA

Coordinator: University of Bologna – Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-Alimentari

Scientific officer: Luigi Manfrini

Duration: 07/02/2023 - 06/05/2024

Research group: Luigi Manfrini, Luca Corelli Grappadelli, Elena Baraldi, Giovanni Fiori

Objectives of the project

The general objective of the project is to verify an innovative management of the inter-row of pear crop from an agro-nomic, productive, physiological, managerial and business health point of view, with the main aim of maintaining high economic and environmental sustainability of the orchard by reducing the number of fungal and fertilization treatments to preserve water and soil.

Summary expected results

Modern management of the inter-row provides for a minimal alteration of the composition, structure and biodiversity of the soil to reduce degradation, erosion and compaction. Achieving these objectives requires constant grassing of the inter-row which can exert water-nutritional competition against the orchard and be a source of pathologies. It is in fact known that the presence of certain species of grasses and decaying residues favours the development of brown spores (Stemphylium vesicarium), the main adversity of the pear tree in the Mediterranean area, resulting in the need for numerous fungicide treatments. The creation of a turf of the inter-row with different broad-leaved essences would lead to a lower number of cuttings (economic advantage) and would create an unfavourable place for the development of the fungus as well as favouring the biological fixation of nitrogen in the case of legumes.

Specific objectives

• Reduction in the number of treatments for pear brown spots to preserve water quality
• Improvement of soil quality with an increase in organic carbon for a reduction in compaction and greater water retention
• Evaluation of the economic and environmental impact (LCA) of the new agronomic techniques proposed.